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Vaccinations Cats
Vaccinations Dogs

Questions about Vaccines
for Your Dog

How does a vaccine work?

A vaccine stimulates the dog’s immune system to protect itself against disease. When an infectious agent enters the dog’s body, it is recognized as foreign and antibodies are produced to bind to it and destroy it.

Do dogs get sick from a vaccination?

When vaccines were first used, human patients were given a less severe form of the disease, with the idea that it was better to be a little bit sick now rather than a lot sicker later. Today’s pet vaccines are attenuated (weakened), killed, or only pieces of the virus and don’t actually transmit the disease.

"Man is troubled by what might be called the Dog Wish, a strange
and involved compulsion to be as happy and carefree as a dog."
James Thurber

What about vaccine reactions?

Some pets may have a slight reaction, including a low-grade fever or muscle aches and pain that may last for up to 24 hours. This reaction is more common in puppies and toy breed dogs. Rarely, pets may develop hives, swelling of the face, or even vomiting. Giving antihistamines at the time of subsequent vaccinations easily prevents this reaction.

What vaccinations do I need for my puppy?

Typically, we will vaccinate your puppy for the following diseases:

► Distemper—a contagious viral disease. It affects the respiratory and nervous systems, causing fever, lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and eventually death.

► Hepatitis—symptoms for this viral disease of the liver include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

► Parvo Virus—a highly contagious viral disease that is often fatal in puppies. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system causing vomiting and diarrhea.

► Bordetella (Kennel Cough)—a highly contagious respiratory disease which causes a hacking cough. It can be severe in puppies.

► Rabies—is caused by a virus that is shed in saliva and thus transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. The disease attacks the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death.

How many shots does my puppy need?

Puppies should receive their first series of immunizations at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Booster immunizations should be repeated in one year to maintain adequate levels of immunity. Thereafter, vaccinations are boostered as needed to protect your pet. Individual adjustments may be made depending on your pet’s risk factors.

"It’s impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more puppies."